Janine Shalash (she, her), MA, LPC

I believe that therapy should be a safe environment for clients to explore, develop, and grow within themselves and their lives. Building a strong rapport and therapeutic alliance with my clients is key to creating a space for them to gain what they want from therapy. Therapy is a helpful tool for clients to find their personal strengths and empower those strengths within themselves to further accomplish their goals.

I have extensive experience using Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in previous work as well as internship experiences. I find these types of therapies shape my therapeutic style. However, I understand each client is their own unique person with a unique background and I understand now that not every client will grow within the same therapies. I also have a deep interest in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT), Art Therapy, and relaxation techniques.

Clinical Areas of Interest/Training:

During the pursuit of my Bachelor’s degree, I worked as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) for Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) services for two and a half years. During this time, I worked with children on the Autism spectrum to provide and teach them occupational, speech, developmental, and behavioral techniques and skills. I also worked alongside the clients’ families to help them learn to be involved and participate in their child’s care. I also have a clinical interest in working with Depression, Anxiety, Family Conflict, Trauma, Self-Injury, and other Behavior Issues. I enjoy working with teenagers, adults, families, and couples.

Education:

I recently completed my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lewis University (May 2022). I completed my internship here at Thriving Lives Counseling, LLC working with a variety of clients of different ages and backgrounds, struggling with an array of mental health issues. I previously interned at Silver Oaks Behavioral Hospital for seven months. There, I worked in the women’s inpatient unit with women between the ages of 18 to 60 who struggled with suicidal ideation/intent, psychosis, medication management, and manic episodes.